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buttonABOUT OUR DIOCESE



The Anglican Church of Ottawa
is a serving community of
Christ Centered people empowered by the Holy Spirit



Our Mission Statement

The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa is a serving community of Christ-centered people empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is called to be a sign, foretaste and instrument of the Reign of God through prayer, celebration, proclamation, ministry, compassion, justice and faithful stewardship in l'Outaouais and Eastern Ontario, Canada and the rest of the world.


How the Diocese is Organized

Our diocese is one of 30 Anglican dioceses in four ecclesiastical provinces across Canada. Each diocese is led by a bishop. Presided over by the Primate, the Anglican Church of Canada is part of the world-wide Anglican Communion. Our diocese embraces more than 80 parishes and over 130 local congregations within ten deaneries. Clergy, appointed by the bishop in consultation with parishioners, serve the parishes.


Parishes / Congregations

The ministry of a parish is the responsibility of all its members. The Parish Corporation, consisting of the incumbent priest and wardens, oversees this ministry in consultation with a Parish Council and in concert with diocesan undertakings and objectives. Vestry is the parish general meeting which occurs at least annually.


Deaneries

The ten deaneries of our diocese are organized principally on geographical divisions. The deaneries are; Arnprior, Carleton, Clarendon, Lanark, Ottawa Centre, Ottawa East, Ottawa West, Pembroke, Stormont and the Cathedral. Each deanery has a regional dean, nominated by the clergy and appointed by the bishop. Among other duties the regional dean chairs the deanery meetings.


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The Bishop

Bishops are elected by the diocese or by the province, according to the particular canons of the diocese. A bishop almost always presides over the diocese and is sometimes called the Diocesan. The Canadian House of Bishops is a twice-yearly meeting of all bishops across Canada and makes recommendations to General Synod, the main decision-making body, on matter of church policy and nominates candidates for Primate.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Ottawa is the Right Reverend John Holland Chapman.


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The Dean

This is the title of the Rector of Christ Church Cathedral who is also the Dean of Ottawa. The is the most senior priest in the diocese and often acts on behalf of the Bishop, e.g. may chair Synod and acts in the Bishop's place when he or she is absent for an extended period of time.

The Dean of Ottawa is the Very Reverend Shane Parker


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Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor

Members of the legal profession appointed by the Bishop to advise Synod on legal, procedural and other related matters.

Robin MacKay is Chancellor
Ann Bourke is Vice-Chancellor


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Archdeacons

Archdeacons are appointed by the bishop to assist in the supervision of parishes and the management of the diocese. They play an important role in the work of the bishop's committee responsible for the appointment of clergy.


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Regional Deans

Each Deanery of the Diocese has a Regional Dean to work with the Archdeacon in facilitating the pastoral and administrative work of the Deanery. The clergy or Clericus of the Deanery nominate a member of the clergy of that Deanery to the Bishop to appoint as the Regional Dean


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Archivist

The primary role of the office is the maintenance of all official acts of the Diocese which include: the CBRs, records of all appointments of church officers and clergy, completed parish registers, etc


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How Decisions are Made

Synod
The diocesan Synod is a council of the diocesan clergy, lay members selected by their parishes, and appointees of the bishop. Synod meets at least annually to oversee all areas of diocesan life including:

  • programs

  • finances

  • canons, by-laws and regulations (CBRs)

Executive Committee
This committee conducts the affairs of the diocese on behalf of Synod between Synod meetings. The membership reflects a cross section of the diocese and includes representatives from two standing committees. learn more

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Administration & Finance Committee (A & F)
This committee oversees diocesan financial and property matters including:

  • budgeting & cash flow

  • salaries & benefits

  • insurance

  • stewardship & planned giving

  • investments

  • audit

More about the Administration & Finance Committee

Chart that represents: the Relationship between Administration & Finance Committee, its Subcommittees and the Executive Committee

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Parish & Diocesan Services Committee (P&DS)
The Parish and Diocesan Services Office at 443 Queen St. under the Director of Parish and Diocesan Services, the Rev. Canon Dr. Bill Prentice provides support directly to parishes and through the Parish and Diocesan Services Committee to our many diocesan ministries.  Some of these services are represented on our site.

Other Church Councils
Our diocese also responds to decisions and requests from other
Councils of the wider Anglican Church
.


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Diocesan Groups and Committees


Associated Programs
The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa sponsors in part the following associated programs.


The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa
71 Bronson Avenue,   Ottawa, ON, K1R 6G6
Telephone: 613-232-7124  Fax: 613-232-7088